Common Problems With Minn Kota Terrova 80 Trolling Motor
The Minn Kota Terrova 80 is built with advanced cutting-edge technology and allows users to enjoy their fishing adventure without worrying about current or wind.
Still, some minor issues may arise while using the Minn Kota Terrova 80 motor, and customers should be aware of those beforehand.
In this article, I will try to help you to get a hold of the reasons behind each of the most common problems with the Minn Kota Terrova 80.
| Problems | Reasons |
| Motor Unexpectedly Stops Working Or Losing Power | Battery failureFaulty or loose wiring |
| Motor Propeller Does Not Turn At Any Speed | Lack of battery voltageLoose wing nuts or corroded connecting wires |
| Unit Fail To Steer & The Speed Control Does Not Work | When the steering lock’s collar depth does not engageFouled foot pedal |
Common Minn Kota Terrova 80 Problems
1. Motor Unexpectedly Stops Working Or Losing Power:
The first common troubleshooting issue that customers often encounter with the Minn Kota Terrova 80 trolling motor is when the motor unexpectedly stops running or starts losing power.
It is one of the most common technical problems with any electric trolling motor, but the good news is you can fix the problem easily and quickly as well.
There can be one or more reasons, which gradually leads the motor to stop or lose power.
So, let’s explore all the possible reasons to find an accurate solution.
Possible Fix
Battery failure can gradually force your trolling motor to shut down abruptly or constantly lose power.
Therefore, whenever you encounter such commotion, check the battery first whether it is charged enough or damaged. You can start the inspection by checking the ample capacity and voltage power of your motor’s battery.
If the voltage power indicates that low or no charge is the problem, you just have to recharge it properly. So, connect your battery with the charger, and when the charging complete, again check the voltage. It should be okay now, but if the battery is damaged, you need to replace it.
Do not forget to check all the connecting terminals and other connection that securely holds the battery in its place inside the motor. If one or more connection becomes loose battery will lose power.
Remember, a bad charger or wrong wiring of the motor battery can also damage the battery so, keep those in mind during the fixing task and check everything thoroughly.
While checking the entire setup, make sure the battery or connecting terminals are not cover with corrosion and debris. Clean all the corrosion and debris from the battery and its connecting terminals with a professional cleaning solution.
Faulty or loose wiring can also cause this type of problem…
If the wiring connections of your trolling motor turn faulty or loose, they can eventually lead to permanent circuit damage.
Therefore, you need to investigate all the wiring whether the used wires have the correct length, size required and are connected securely in the right position. If any connecting wire seems loose, tighten the connection properly.
For this particular task, you should check the provided service manual of your Terrova80 motor first. You can cross-check all the wire lengths and sizes with the manual’s spec details and also check the internal wiring diagram given in the manual to ensure that wires are connected correctly in their respective positions.
Also, check whether the wires are covered with white power, debris, rust, or similar corrosion materials and check the wires’ open end as well. Clean the wires, terminals, and other connectors thoroughly with cleaning solutions or water-soda mixture.
2. Motor Propeller Does Not Turn At Any Speed:
Another problem that the majority of the Minn Kota Terrova 80 users have mentioned is the propeller failure or bad response from the propeller.
According to a group of customers, they have experienced that sometimes the propeller starts acting unusual, especially when they change the speed. They have noticed that the propeller may work when they turn in a particular speed but not for all.
But fortunately, it is not a severe problem that you cannot fix, all you need to do is finding out the accurate fault and fix it.
Possible Fix
This particular problem may occur because of the lack of battery voltage…
If that is the case, you need to inspect your motor battery voltage with the voltmeter. The correct voltmeter reading of proper battery voltage is between 12.4 and 13.8 volts, which indicates that the battery is freshly charged.
So, check whether your voltmeter reading shows the same result or different. In case, your voltmeter reading indicates 8 or less than 8 volts, you should either charge the battery or replace it.
But remember, replacing the battery is easier and less time-consuming than charging it since you have to charge the battery for several days to get that standard max voltage.
It can happen because of loose wing nuts or corroded connecting wires…
Remember, loose wing nuts carry electricity, which means they can cause a short circuit or firing exposure as well. Not only that but loose wing nuts also gradually damage the battery connection as well the other major electrical part like a propeller.
Therefore, check all the wing nuts connections and if required tighten the nuts enough to secure the motor and battery connection.
Next, check whether there is any sign of built-up corrosion on the battery connectors, wires, or terminals. Thoroughly check each battery connection and if you see built-up corrosion or debris, rust-covered areas, clean and dry them properly. But if any wire or connecting terminal looks severely damaged because of the excessive corrosion, immediately replace those parts.
Now, the last task is checking your boat’s wiring connection, if you find any wiring issue, you should either snip those particular wires or slice those wires to a good spot. Another easy option is replacing the bad or damaged wire completely with a fresh new one.
3. Unit Fail To Steer & The Speed Control Does Not Work:
A small group of Terrova 80 trolling motor users claimed that the motor unit sometimes does not steer but runs.
Some users have also mentioned their struggle in speed controlling while they are on the water because either the speed control does not work properly or does not respond at all.
Though customers have confirmed that they initially did not encounter these problems, after the motor used for a couple of years, they suddenly experienced them.
So, let’s find out what is the reason behind such issues and how to deal with them.
Possible Fix
It can happen when the steering lock’s collar depth does not engage with the steering motor properly.
If the depth collar is loose or not engaging with the steering motor, it will not let the motor turn like usual. So, make sure the depth collar connecting bolts are tight enough to lock the collar into the steering.
For better understanding, check the Terrova trolling motor’s service manual because the detailed diagram is given there.
Once you are sure that the connection is tight enough and the depth collar is locking the steering perfectly, deploy your motor.
Now, press the steering, and see whether the steering motor turns when the depth collar engages the lock on the shaft or not. It supposes to work this time.
The problem may also arise because of the fouled foot pedal…
First, you need to disconnect all the connectors to remove the existing foot pedal. Now, bring a used or not used a good foot pedal to find out whether the fault is in the old foot pedal or not.
Carefully insert the new one in and move the pedal’s head left, right. Then test the unit and speed control’s response by running it through the entire speed range of your motor. If the unit turns and the speed controls work correctly, that means you need to replace the foot pedal.
What The Majority of Users Feel About the Minn Kota Terrova 80 Trolling Motor?
The Minn Kota Terrova 80 trolling motor features an innovative Lift-Assist mechanism, the newest advancements in the i-Pilot software, and excellent speed control.
That’s why most Minn Kota Terrova 80 users are 100% satisfied with the performance they are getting and claim that Terrova trolling motor is more powerful, reliable, and easy maintenance than other available brands.
However, there are some minor technical or electrical issues that some users have encountered, which I have already mentioned and explained earlier.
Final Thoughts:
Minn Kota has established itself as one of the leading and most trusted brands for offering bow mount trolling motors like Terrova 80 Trolling Motor is no exception either, especially with the spot anchor feature that it has.
Besides those earlier mentioned and discussed troubleshooting issues, this trolling motor has no major performance issues and performs flawlessly on water.